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Plans for more affordable housing in Pembrokeshire could be agreed soon

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PEMBROKESHIRE council could have 10 more affordable homes in its housing stock within the year if a call before senior members is backed next week.

At the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members are asked to back the purchase of the new build homes, a mixture of two and three-bed houses, currently under construction at Rose Haven, Rosemarket; the final agreement delegated to senior officers.

This follows the backing of the purchase between 37 and 41 houses agreed at the September meeting.

A report ahead of the October meeting says: “The council has a corporate priority that aims to increase the supply of affordable and social homes and is seeking to expand its housing stock and satisfy local housing need. These ‘off the self purchase’ opportunities would help towards both the council’s 300 new home target and also Welsh Governments 20,000 new homes target.

“In the context of housing development, an Off the Shelf purchase (OTS) consists of newly completed properties, offered on the open market by a contractor/developer for a fixed price on the basis of a single conveyancing contract.

“The OTS opportunity would provide the council with up to 10 properties built to a modern specification which are fossil fuel free and benefit from PV panels and air source heat pumps.

“The site will provide the opportunity for a mix of social and intermediate rent housing.”

It added: “Currently there is no match funding grant assigned to this potential acquisition however enquiries have been made with both the Social Housing Grant (SHG) and Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP) teams.

“If cabinet agreement is given, and subject to due diligence checks, it is hoped that acquisition of these 10 units could be completed within this financial year.  Any purchase will be dependent on suitable SHG or TACP funding being secured with the match provided from the Housing Revenue Account.

“The need to provide additional affordable and social housing is a high priority for the council and if acquired, these new homes will be let at rents in line with the council’s rent policy, making the homes affordable for those in need.

It is recommended that Cabinet back the delegated decision on the purchase.

At the September Cabinet meeting, members backed the acquisition of up to 16 new build housing units as an off the shelf deal at Harcourt Close, Hook, and entering into a package deal arrangement for the purchase of 21 affordable homes, along with an option for four ‘intermediate’ affordable units on land at Sandyhill, Saundersfoot.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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